Microsoft
is challenging Apple's filing for a trademark on the term "App
Store," Good Gear Guide reports,
because it feels the term is generic and that competitors should be able to use
it as well.

In its 2008 filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Apple defined an
app store as "retail store services featuring computer software provided
via the internet and other computer and electronic communication
networks." Its App Store was launched that year, along with the iPhone
3GS. It now boasts more than 300,000 available apps. Most recently, Apple
launched the Mac App Store just weeks ago, for use with
its desktop computers and laptops.

Microsoft argues that both "app" and "store" are generic
terms, and that consumers use the term "app store" generically to
refer to an online store where applications are sold. It even used Steve Jobs'
own words against him, quoting a published interview where the Apple CEO said,
"Amazon, Verizon, and Vodafone have all announced that they are creating
their own app stores for Android."

"Competitors should be free to use 'app store' to identify their own
stores and the services offered in conjunction with those stores,"
Microsoft said.

Microsoft launched its own app store in conjunction with the release of Windows
Phone 7 devices in October. By comparison, it had 4,000 available apps to download as of
mid-December. Research firm IDC praised the quick ascent of the new OS's
marketplace.

"We can't expect users to use common sense. That would eliminate the need for all sorts of legislation, committees, oversight and lawyers." -- Christopher Jennings